Folding-Arm Awning Drop Arm Pretensioning for Wind Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Folding arm awnings are not resistant to wind loads, leading to flapping and rain bag formation, and existing solutions either increase stability at the cost of aesthetics or fail to reliably prevent these issues.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of pretensioning means that pretension the extension arms in their extended position, allowing them to deflect against wind loads and maintain fabric tension, preventing flapping and rain bag formation, while using materials like stainless steel for a high-quality design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the fabric covering is made larger to provide better coverage, then the shading area is improved, but the wind resistance deteriorates due to increased surface area creating higher wind loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the arm structure movable and adjustable rather than fixed. The arms can be extended or retracted based on wind conditions, allowing the awning to adapt its configuration. This dynamic adjustment enables the large fabric area to be maintained while reducing the structural surface area exposed to wind when necessary, thus resolving the contradiction between coverage area and wind resistance.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the folding arms are made more robust to increase stability, then the wind resistance is improved, but the weight and aesthetic quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the arm structure into multiple articulated segments (support arm and drop arm) connected by pivot joints. This segmentation allows each segment to be lighter individually while maintaining overall stability through the articulated mechanism. The segmented design distributes wind loads across multiple connection points rather than requiring a single heavy structure, thus achieving stability without excessive weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated arm structure with pivot joints provides dynamic adaptability, allowing the arms to deflect and adjust their configuration under wind loads. This dynamic behavior enables the lighter segmented arms to maintain stability by redistributing forces through movement, rather than relying on static mass for stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the arms are extended all the way to the base to increase stability, then the arm stability is improved, but the ability to prevent fabric flapping and rain pocket formation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by providing tensioning devices that can actively adjust fabric tension based on operating conditions. Rather than relying solely on fixed arm extension, the dynamic tensioning mechanism maintains optimal fabric tension to prevent flapping and rain pocket formation while allowing the arms to be positioned at various extensions, thus resolving the contradiction between arm stability and fabric tension maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning devices enable parameter changes in fabric tension independently of arm position. This allows the system to maintain the fabric tension parameter at optimal levels regardless of how far the arms are extended, preventing flapping and rain pocket formation even when arms are in intermediate positions rather than fully extended.
4Stress or pressure
If spring-loaded support arms are used to pre-tension the fabric, then the fabric tension is improved, but the overall wind resistance under varying wind loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by combining spring-loaded pre-tensioning with an articulated arm structure that can dynamically adjust its configuration. The springs provide continuous fabric tension while the articulated arms can deflect and reposition under varying wind loads, distributing and adapting to force variations. This dynamic system maintains fabric tension while improving overall wind load resistance compared to fixed spring-loaded arms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances wind resistance and prevents flapping and rain bag formation, enabling the awning's use in windy areas with a stable and aesthetically pleasing design that absorbs higher forces and maintains fabric tension.
Implementation Method 1
providing pretensioning means by which the at least one drop arm is pretensioned in at least one extended position in the drop direction
Implementation Method 2
a base-side end of the at least one drop arm is slidably guided with at least one component parallel to the fabric roll at the base
Implementation Method 3
the slide, which especially preferably has a pivot bearing for the drop arm
Data Source
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AI summary
In a folding-arm awning (10) with a fabric roll (36) attachable to a base (11) for winding and unwinding a flexible, flat covering, and with at least two articulated arms (12, 13) assigned to the ends of the fabric roll (36) facing away from each other for supporting a head beam (22), each arm having a support arm (14, 18) pivotally mounted at the base and a drop arm (15, 19) articulated to it, improved stability against wind load can be achieved and flapping of the covering largely prevented if at least one drop arm (15, 19) is articulated in a central area to an end of the associated support arm (14, 18) facing away from the base (11), if a base-side end of the at least one drop arm (15, 19) is slidably guided at the base (11) with at least one component parallel to the fabric roll (36), and if tensioning means are used. (28, 32) are provided by means of which at least one drop arm (15,19) is pre-tensioned at least in an extended position in the direction of travel.